Warmth on the rise in O.C.; cooling next week

A gradual warming trend should kick temperatures up another notch or two Wednesday, with highs breaking into the low 80s by Friday, the National Weather Service says.

But by Sunday the weather begins cooling down again as morning clouds return.

This week's warming is the work of high-pressure air building over the region; more high pressure over the Great Basin is expected to drive gusty winds from the northeast Thursday and Friday, mainly near mountain passes and canyons.